Enhancement of reproductive plant development by means of choline salts

Abstract

The reproductive development of plants is enhanced by application of non-toxic choline salts in aqueous medium. The application may be via the root system or by spraying. If desired a free radical scavenger may be applied together with the choline salts.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of increasing the quantity and quality of flowers and fruits of plants growing in soil, which comprises applying to mature plants during its reproductive stage a flower or fruit quantity and quality improving effective amount of at least one non-toxic salt of choline in aqueous medium. 
     
     
       2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said salt of choline is applied in combination with at least one compound selected from the group of free radical scavengers. 
     
     
       3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said salt of choline is applied via the roots in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion. 
     
     
       4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the annual amount of said salt of choline applied to the soil does not exceed 500 kg/hectar. 
     
     
       5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said salt of choline is selected from the group consisting of choline dihydrogen phosphate and choline dihydrogen citrate. 
     
     
       6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said salt of choline is applied by the foliar route by spraying. 
     
     
       7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the amount of said sprayed salt of choline does not exceed 30 kg/hectar. 
     
     
       8. A composition of matter suitable for the performance of the method according to claim 1, comprising water and a flower or fruit quantity and quality improving effective amount of at least one non-toxic salt of choline and at least one free radical scavenger.